Question

What is triple fusion in double fertilisation?

Options

• Fusion of one male gamete with the two polar nuclei to form the primary endosperm nucleus (3n)

• Fusion of both male gametes with the egg cell

• Fusion of the tube nucleus with the egg cell

• Fusion of all three nuclei of the male gametophyte

Answer 1

Triple fusion is the fusion of the second male gamete with the two polar nuclei (which are sometimes referred to as the polar cell nuclei or central cell nuclei) to form the primary endosperm nucleus with a triploid (3n) chromosome complement. This nucleus undergoes mitosis to form the endosperm tissue that nourishes the developing embryo.